Many dog owners let their pups sleep in bed with them each night. And many parents let their kids climb into their beds when they’ve had a nightmare or are feeling under the weather.

I’ve been there, done that, in both situations…many times.

When your kids are babies, sleeping with them will almost guarantee that you don’t sleep at all. As they grow bigger they present more challenges (and take up more space!).

Yet allowing your dog to sleep in bed with you at night also has certain drawbacks, but I think it’s actually more beneficial than having a child in the bed.

Here’s why:

Nightmares 1 of 5

When your pup has a nightmare, he might shake a little but then he'll go back to his peaceful slumber, not scream at the top of his lungs.
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Protection 2 of 5

If there is even a peep in your house in the middle of the night, you'll hear it first (in the form of a growl or a bark)!
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No Talking 3 of 5

When your child stumbles into your room at 3am, she might talk to you as if it's a Sunday afternoon while you're struggling desperately to just to get one more hour of shut eye.
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Warmth 4 of 5

See how warm an antsy toddler will keep you. When my Lab lays across my legs, I have an instant heated blanket that is warm and fuzzy, too!
Image: Stockxchng

Freedom to Stretch 5 of 5

And sprawl out across the bed without having to worry about waking the baby. If this furry baby wakes up, she'll just slowly open one eye, canvass the room, and go right back to sleep.
Image: Stockxchng

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